U.S. patent application number 11/230108 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-22 for wound elevation protection and prevention device.
Invention is credited to Helen R. Kimball.
Application Number | 20070061973 11/230108 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37882583 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070061973 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kimball; Helen R. |
March 22, 2007 |
Wound elevation protection and prevention device
Abstract
The present invention is a device for alleviating or diminishing
pressure on a blemish, wound, decubitus ulcer (also known as
pressure ulcer or pressure sore) or surgical site by elevating the
affected area above a surface without directly contacting the
affected area. An interior filling of the present invention is
composed of a Visco/Memory foam, natural buckwheat hulls, whole
buckwheat seeds, millet hulls, or a combination thereof, or other
suitable material known in the art. The interior filling is
enclosed in a hollow member, and an additional removable and/or
reusable cover composed of anti-bacterial/anti-microbial fabric,
encloses the hollow member for additional protection. Fastening
means are attached to the cover to allow the user to reconfigure
the shape of the device to provide the required support as needed
for each use.
Inventors: |
Kimball; Helen R.; (Coconut
Creek, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JACQUELINE TADROS, P.A.
500 CYPRESS CREEK ROAD WEST
SUITE 500
FORT LAUDERDALE
FL
33309
US
|
Family ID: |
37882583 |
Appl. No.: |
11/230108 |
Filed: |
September 19, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/632 ;
5/951 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G 7/057 20130101;
A47C 20/021 20130101; Y10S 5/953 20130101; A61G 7/065 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/632 ;
005/951 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/00 20060101
A47G009/00 |
Claims
1. A patient elevating device for at least partially elevating a
patient above a surface, the patient elevating device comprising:
(a) an elongated, flexible hollow member having first and second
opposite ends, a longitudinal axis being defined there between; (b)
filling material contained within and substantially filling the
hollow member; and (c) a plurality of fastening means disposed
along a common outer side of the hollow member and extending
outwardly therefrom; (d) whereby with the hollow member formed into
a desired shape and fastening means selected and fastened together
to maintain the hollow member in the desired shape, the hollow
member may be placed between the patient and the surface such that
at least a portion of the patient is elevated above the surface,
the hollow member supporting the patient adjacent to but not in
direct contact with said portion of the patient.
2. The patient elevating device of claim 1 wherein the hollow
member is comprised of a fabric material.
3. The patient elevating device of claim 1 wherein the hollow
member is comprised of a water impervious elastomeric material.
4. The patient elevating device of claim 1 wherein the hollow
member further includes closure means disposed along one side
thereof for providing access inside the hollow member.
5. The patient elevating device of claim 1 wherein the hollow
member has a generally rectangular cross-section across the
longitudinal axis thereof.
6. The patient elevating device of claim 1 wherein the hollow
member has a generally circular cross-section across the
longitudinal axis thereof.
7. The patient elevating device of claim 1 wherein the filling
material is a viscoelastic polyurethane foam composition having a
density of between two and six pounds per cubic foot.
8. The patient elevating device of claim 1 wherein the filling
material is a viscoelastic polyurethane foam composition having a
density of between four and five pounds per cubic foot.
9. The patient elevating device of claim 1 wherein the filling
material is a viscoelastic polyurethane foam composition having a
density of generally four and three-tenths pounds per cubic
foot.
10. The patient elevating device of claim 1 wherein the filling
material is a combination of materials selected from the group
consisting of natural buckwheat hulls, whole buckwheat seeds, and
millet hulls.
11. The patient elevating device of claim 1 wherein the fastening
means is a tie cord.
12. The patient elevating device of claim 1 wherein the fastening
means is a hook-and-loop type fastener strip having a hook-type
fastener on one side and a loop-type fastener on the other
side.
13. A patient elevating device for at least partially elevating a
patient above a surface, the patient elevating device comprising:
(a) an elongated, flexible hollow member having first and second
opposite ends, a longitudinal axis being defined therebetween; (b)
filling material contained within and substantially filling the
hollow member; and (c) a flexible, removable cover adapted to
snuggly fit over the hollow member, the removable cover having
first and second opposite ends, a longitudinal axis being defined
therebetween, and a plurality of fastening means disposed along a
common outer side thereof and extending outwardly therefrom;
whereby with the removable cover encompassing the hollow member,
the hollow member formed into a desired shape, and fastening means
selected and fastened together to maintain the hollow member in the
desired shape, the hollow member may be placed between the patient
and the surface such that at least a portion of the patient is
elevated above the surface, the hollow member and cover supporting
the patient adjacent to but not in direct contact with said portion
of the patient.
14. The patient elevating device of claim 13 wherein the removable
cover is made of an anti-bacterial and anti-microbial fabric.
15. The patient elevating device of claim 13 wherein the removable
cover further includes closure means disposed along one side
thereof for providing access inside the removable cover.
16. The patient elevating device of claim 13 wherein the hollow
member is comprised of a water impervious elastomeric material.
17. The patient elevating device of claim 13 wherein the hollow
member and the removable cover each have a generally rectangular
cross-section across the longitudinal axis thereof.
18. The patient elevating device of claim 13 wherein the hollow
member and the removable cover each have a generally circular
cross-section across the longitudinal axis thereof.
19. The patient elevating device of claim 13 wherein the filling
material is a viscoelastic polyurethane foam composition having a
density of between one and seven pounds per cubic foot.
20. The patient elevating device of claim 13 wherein the filling
material is a viscoelastic polyurethane foam composition having a
density of between four and five pounds per cubic foot.
21. The patient elevating device of claim 13 wherein the filling
material is a combination of materials selected from the group
consisting of natural buckwheat hulls, whole buckwheat seeds, and
millet hulls.
22. The patient elevating device of claim 13 wherein the fastening
means of the removable cover is a tie cord.
23. The patient elevating device of claim 13 wherein the fastening
means of the removable cover is a hook-and-loop type fastener strip
having a hook-type fastener on one side and a loop-type fastener on
the other side.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates generally to the treatment and
prevention of wounds, and more particularly to a device for
alleviating or diminishing pressure on a wound, blemish, decubitus
ulcer (also known as pressure ulcer or pressure sore) or surgical
site.
[0003] 2. Discussion of Related Art
[0004] Pressure sores are a localized area of damaged tissue.
Pressure sores occur when soft tissue between a bony prominence and
an external surface is compressed for an extended amount of time.
Pressure sores, also known as bed sores or decubitus ulcers is
usually occur from confinement to a bed, chair or wheelchair. In
many instances, pressure sores are a secondary result of another
illness or condition that leaves a person immobile.
[0005] Patients who are immobile tend to lie in one position for
hours on end. This causes a decrease in blood circulation to
certain pressure points on the body known as "bony prominences",
such as, for example, ears, shoulders, hips, coccyx (tail bone),
buttocks, elbows, ankles and heels, to name a few. These areas are
typically the first to break down. The tissue closest to the bone
is the most susceptible to pressure sores so a visible skin
discoloration may indicate the beginning stages of a pressure sore.
The tissue begins to decay from lack of blood circulation This is
the basic formation of decubitus ulcer development.
[0006] The prevalence of pressure sores in the United States alone
is estimated to be between 1.5 to 3.0 million people. Every year an
estimated 60,000 people die from a bedsore complication.
[0007] Pressure sores will appear as a red area that can develop
into an open wound if left without medical treatment. If pressure
sores are left untreated, they can lead to severe health
complications and even death.
[0008] A decubitus ulcer or pressure sore can range from a very
mild pink coloration of the skin, which disappears in a few hours
after pressure is relieved on the area, to a very deep wound
extending to and sometimes through a bone into an internal organ.
These ulcers, as well as other wound types, are classified in
stages according to the severity of the wound.
[0009] The usual mechanism of forming a decubitus ulcer is from
pressure. However, it can also occur from friction, such as by
rubbing against a bed sheet, cast, brace, or the like.
[0010] The pressure sore and the affected area must be kept clean
and clear of any dead tissue. Because pressure sores can expose a
patient to infection entering the blood stream, a potentially
deadly condition called sepsis, medical care is a very necessary
and worthwhile precaution. It has been reported in fact, that
sepsis is the 11.sup.th leading cause of death, overall. Wound care
is a tremendous drain on the national health care system.
[0011] The goal in the treatment of pressure sores is to relieve
the pressure on and around bony prominences. This can be
accomplished by increasing air flow and blood flow to the affected
area so that pressure sores do not continue to worsen. Frequent
turning is mandatory to alleviate pressure on the wound and to
promote healing. Support devices can help relieve some of the
pressure on the pressure sores. Wound care products comprise
devices for open wound support, such as medicated dressings, wraps,
protectors, mattress pads and cushions.
[0012] Although these devices and treatments are helpful, they
remain ineffective in many respects. Dressings and wraps, for
example, are in direct physical contact with the wound surface.
Consequently, these devices apply pressure on the wound area. This
pressure results in a longer healing time and the affected areas
are therefore more prone to the formation of decubitus ulcers.
[0013] Mattress pads and cushions also have considerable drawbacks.
The mattress pads and cushions available today have a definite
geometrical shape and size which cannot be easily altered to adapt
to individual needs.
[0014] Wound protectors are typically used during the
transportation of accident victims. These protectors often cannot
be applied to bed sores or some surgical sites because of their
limited design.
[0015] Thus, there is clear and distinct need for a device which
will effectively alleviate or diminish pressure on a wound by
elevating the affected area, 0.25 inches to 3.0 inches above a
surface while also avoiding direct physical contact with the wound,
blemish, pressure ulcer or surgical site.
[0016] It is known in the art to use a cushioning means for the
purpose of elevating the body and increasing air flow to pressure
points, thereby reducing the incidence of pressure or decubitus
ulcers.
[0017] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,260 naming as inventor,
Dinsmoor III et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 4,614,000 naming as inventor
Mayer, U.S. Pat. No. 4,959,059 naming as inventor Eilender, U.S.
Pat. No. 4,962,769 naming as inventor Garcia, U.S. Pat. No.
5,462,519 naming as inventor Carver and U.S. Pat. No. 4,425,676
naming as inventor Crane, teach a mattress replacement or treatment
overlay for the purpose of elevating the body and increasing air
flow to certain pressure points, thereby reducing the incidence of
pressure or decubitus ulcers.
[0018] These cushioning means, however, are large and bulky and
cannot be easily manipulated to alter their shape or size to
accommodate to individual needs.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 4,779,297 naming as inventor, Sturges, teaches
that it is known in the art to have a compact cushion support
article for the purpose of elevating the body, increasing air flow
to pressure points, and thereby reducing the incidence of pressure
or decubitus ulcers.
[0020] These devices however, have a definite geometric shape and
size, for example a "donut" shape. This shape cannot be altered and
hence its usefulness is limited. Similarly, the "Waffle Extended
Care Cushion" from EHOB, Inc., although compact, cannot be
manipulated with ease to adopt a different shape or size.
[0021] U.S. Patent Application No. 20030163072 naming as inventor,
Cristian Hueso teaches a conic arch device that provides physical
protection to any superficial wound. However, as with the "donut"
and "waffle" shaped cushions, the shape of this device is not
capable of being easily altered and cannot be adapted to
accommodate individualized needs.
[0022] U.S. Pat. No. 6,009,577 naming as inventor, Day, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,638,564, naming as inventor Greenwalt, U.S. Pat. No.
5,615,432 naming as inventor Van Ohlen III and U.S. Pat. No.
6,595,935 naming as inventor Gerstmar teach that it is known in the
art to have a crescent or U-shaped type pillow as a cushioning
means for the head and neck. These devices, however, have not been
adapted for the treatment or prevention of pressure sores,
decubitus ulcers, etc. and their usefulness in that respect is
limited.
[0023] Thus, there is a definite, distinct, and even urgent need
for a device in the treatment of decubitus ulcers, wounds,
blemishes, etc. which will alleviate pressure by elevating the body
0.25 to 3.0 inches above a surface, without covering the wound,
blemish, pressure ulcer or surgical site and which is capable of
easily being manipulated to conform to individualized needs.
[0024] The present invention accomplishes these objectives and
substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of
the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0025] The present invention solves the foregoing problems by
providing a device which is placed around and not on the pressure
point, thus elevating the bony prominence without covering the
wound, and thus eliminating pressure to the affected area.
[0026] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the
treatments of wound care currently available, the present invention
provides a novel device for alleviating or diminishing pressure on
a wound surface by elevating the affected area 0.25 to 3.0 inches
above a surface, while simultaneously avoiding direct contact with
or covering the wound, blemish, pressure ulcer or surgical
site.
[0027] The general purpose of the present invention, which will
subsequently be described in further detail, is to provide a device
for alleviating pressure from surface wounds.
[0028] Eliminating pressure with a device which also simultaneously
avoids covering the wound, allows increased air flow and blood
circulation to the critical areas which alleviates and ideally
prevents the occurrence of decubitus ulcers.
[0029] An object of the present invention is to provide a device
for alleviating pressure from surface wounds which overcomes the
shortcomings of the prior art in wound treatment.
[0030] One aspect of the present invention is designed to keep the
critical pressure points 0.25 to 3.0 inches above a surface, such
as bedding, etc.
[0031] Another aspect of the present invention is that it is
convenient, adjustable, malleable, portable, transportable and easy
to use. It may thus be manipulated with greater ease and frequency,
in order to promote healing.
[0032] A feature of the present invention is that it is designed to
surround the critical area without covering the wound.
[0033] Another feature of the present invention is to provide a
device for alleviating or diminishing pressure from surface wounds
by elevating the critical area of the body above a surface, yet not
covering or directly contacting the wound, blemish, pressure ulcer
or surgical site.
[0034] Memory foam is used in the medical industry to relieve
pressure sores. Memory foam responds well to temperature and has
the ability to spread pressure over a relatively large surface
area, thereby reducing pressure points significantly.
[0035] Memory foam cells compress fully and spread their air to
adjoining cells. This accounts for the way that memory foam
actually reduces pressure points. This also allows it to conform to
a body's shape, providing a custom shaping type effect.
[0036] In addition, memory foam is temperature sensitive. This
serves to accentuate the custom molding affect of the foam. Memory
foam is known as a visco-elastic foam that is, it is harder (more
viscous) at lower temperatures and softer and bouncier (more
elastic) at higher temperatures.
[0037] A feature of the present invention is that it is a device
which generally comprises a Visco/Memory foam shaped in the form of
a circle, square or other cross-section, covered by a protective
sheath.
[0038] Buckwheat hulls are lightweight, durable and have a
comfortable cooling effect. The hulls flow easily to adapt to the
contours of a body, providing a gentle yet firm and passive
support. Millet hulls are dense and soft, and also conform to the
body contours.
[0039] Another feature of the present invention is that it is a
device which generally comprises buckwheat hulls, buckwheat seeds,
millet hulls, or a combination thereof, in the form of a circle,
square or other cross-section and covered by a protective
sheath.
[0040] Another aspect of the present invention is an additional
removable cover, made of anti-bacterial/anti-microbial fabric as is
commonly known in the art. This removable cover is placed over the
protective sheath and can be washed, sterilized and re-used.
[0041] A feature of the present invention is the use of tie strips,
Velcro hook-and-loop fastner ("Velcro") strips or other fastening
means known in the art. The tie strips, Velcro strips or other
fastening means are attached to the external cover to adjust the
shape of the device in order to accommodate individualized and
specific needs.
[0042] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
device for alleviating pressure from a wound by elevating the
affected area above a surface, such as a bedding, thereby
eliminating direct contact between the wound and the surface, thus
diminishing pressure on the wound
[0043] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
device for alleviating pressure from surface wounds whose geometric
shape and size can be altered with ease in order to accommodate
different wound sites.
[0044] Another object is to provide a device for alleviating
pressure from surface wounds and composed of a Visco/Memory foam
which conforms to a body and as a result is comfortable and more
effective.
[0045] Another object is to provide a device for alleviating
pressure from surface wounds and composed of a Buckwheat hulls,
Millet hulls, or a combination thereof which conforms to a body and
as a result is comfortable and more effective.
[0046] Another object is to provide a device for alleviating
pressure from surface wounds and composed of a Visco/Memory foam,
Buckwheat hulls, Whole Buckwheat seeds, Millet hulls, or a
combination thereof, or other material known in the art, which
conforms to a body.
[0047] Another object is to provide a device for alleviating
pressure from surface wounds wherein the device is light in weight
and easy to handle.
[0048] The present invention as described herein incorporates
advantages of other wound care treatments mentioned herewith, as
well as other novel features, resulting in a device for alleviating
pressure from a surface wound which is new, not anticipated,
rendered obvious, suggested or implied by any of the prior art,
either alone or in any combination thereof.
[0049] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects
and advantages are within the scope of the present invention
[0050] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the invention in order that the detailed
description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the
present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. Other
features and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by
way of example, the principles of the invention.
[0051] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that
the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose
of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0052] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
invention having a generally circular cross section cushion, the
cushion shown partially removed from a protective hollow member
8;
[0053] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
invention having a generally square cross section cushion, the
cushion shown partially removed from the protective hollow member
8;
[0054] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the invention, taken
generally along lines 2A-2A of FIG. 1A;
[0055] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the invention, taken
generally along lines 2B-2B of FIG. 1B;
[0056] FIG. 2A' is a cross-sectional view of an alternate
embodiment of the invention, taken generally along lines 2A-2A of
FIG. 1A, denoting an alternate filling material such as one
composed of buckwheat hulls, whole buckwheat seeds, millet hulls or
any combination thereof;
[0057] FIG. 2B' is a cross-sectional view of the alternate
embodiment of the invention, taken generally along lines 2B-2B of
FIG. 1B, denoting the alternate filling material, such as one
composed of buckwheat hulls, whole buckwheat seeds, millet hulls or
any combination thereof;
[0058] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the
invention having a circular cross shape cushion manipulated so as
to form a U-shape;
[0059] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the
invention having a square cross shape cushion manipulated so as to
form an L-shape, to illustrate that the invention may be
manipulated to form a variety of different shapes;
[0060] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of a patient laying on the
device, and a bed sore area of the patient elevated above and not
touching the bed surface;
[0061] FIG. 6A is a close-up of a fastening means denoting a tie
knot; generally taken along lines 6-6 of FIG. 4; and
[0062] FIG. 6B is a close-up of an alternate fastening means
denoting Velcro strips.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0063] Referring to FIGS. 1A-6B, a device for alleviating or
diminishing pressure from wounds according to an embodiment of the
present invention is identified generally at reference number
1.
[0064] A filling material such as a viscoelastic polyurethane foam
10, or other suitable material known in the art, is shaped in the
general form of a circle as in FIG. 1A, or a square, as in FIG. 1B,
or any other suitable cross-section shape. An acid free multi
purpose spray adhesive, such as Elmer's Craft Bond (not shown), or
other adhesive material commonly known in the art, is used to
maintain the shape of the viscoelastic polyurethane foam 10. The
adhesive is applied to the viscoelastic polyurethane foam 10 prior
to shaping the foam 10. Once the foam 10 is molded to the desired
shape, it is allowed to set for a suitable duration of time to
allow the adhesive to cure.
[0065] FIGS. 1A and 1B show the viscoelastic polyurethane foam 10,
encased in a hollow member 8. The hollow member is composed of
plastic film or other sheet material or other suitable material
known in the art. As normally used, the hollow member 8 fully
encloses the foam 10, but may include either an open end (as
illustrated) or a longitudinal opening, such opening closable by a
closure means such as a zipper, or the like (not shown). As noted,
the filling material may be of varying cross-section shapes and
lengths. Said hollow member 8 is preferably covered with a
removable protective sheath or casing 2 composed of
anti-bacterial/anti-microbial fabric as is known in the art, is
used to protect the hollow member 8 and keep said hollow member 8
from getting soiled.
[0066] Tie strips 12, Velcro strips 13, identified generally at
reference number 5, or other fastening means known in the art are
attached to the removable protective sheath or casing 2. Tie strips
12, Velcro strips 13 or other fastening means known in the art are
used to adjust the geometrical shape and size of the Visco/Memory
foam 10 as shown in FIG. 3 to provide the requisite support.
[0067] FIGS. 2A' and 2B' show cross-sectional views across
longitudinal axes of a circular cross-section shape of foam 10 and
a square cross-section shape of foam 10, respectively, with an
alternate filling material such as buckwheat hulls, whole buckwheat
seeds, millet hulls or any combination thereof. The density and
composition of the filling may vary to accommodate specific
needs.
[0068] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the
invention having foam 10 with the circular cross-section cushion
illustrated in FIG. 1A and manipulated to form a U-shape, said
shape held in place by the fastening means 5, such as tie strips 12
as illustrated.
[0069] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the
invention having foam 10 with the square cross-section cushion
illustrated in FIG. 1B and manipulated to form a U-shape, said
shape held in place by a fastening means 5, such as tie strips 12
as illustrated.
[0070] FIG. 5 shows a side elevation view of a patient 3, utilizing
an embodiment of the present invention. The wound elevation
protection and prevention device 1 is placed between a patient 3
and a surface 9 in order to elevate a portion 11b of the patient 3
above the surface 9.
[0071] The wound elevation protection and prevention device 1 is
manipulated as in FIG. 5, to rest between the patients lower
extremities 11 thereby elevating at least three areas of "bony
prominence", the coccyx 11a and both ankle and heel regions 11b and
11c, above the surface 9.
[0072] The device may be adjusted and manipulated to take varying
shapes by using the fastening means 5, such as tie strips 12,
Velcro 13 or other fastening means commonly known in the art.
[0073] FIG. 6 shows the tie strips 12 held together in a tie knot.
FIG. 7 shows Velcro strips 13 or other hook-and-loop type
fasteners, which may also be used as herein described to
accommodate the size, location and shape of the wound in order to
provide the required support.
[0074] The viscoelastic polyurethane foam 10 has a density of
between 2 to 6 pounds, preferably between 4 and 5 pounds, and is
ideally 4.30 pounds. Its cross section may be of varying shapes and
sizes. For example, it may have a circular cross section as shown
in FIG. 1A or a square cross section as shown in FIG. 1B. as well
as other suitable shapes and sizes not herein indicated. The
viscoleastic polyurethane foam 10 provides the support required to
elevate the body, such that the wound is not in direct contact with
a surface 9, such as a bedding.
[0075] An alternate filling material 4 such as buckwheat hulls,
whole buckwheat seeds, millet hulls or any combination thereof may
be used as shown in FIGS. 2A' and 2B'. The said alternate filling
material may vary in cross shape and size and may be somewhat more
malleable than the viscoelastic polyurethane foam 10.
[0076] The wound elevation protection and prevention device 1 as
described herein is designed to elevate a wound or an area prone to
developing a wound, such as the coccyx 11a and ankle and heel
regions 11b, 11c above a surface 9, such as a bedding, such that
the surface 9 and the wound 11a, 11b, 11c are not in direct
contact.
[0077] As a result of increased air flow and blood circulation, the
wound heals faster and ideally no pressure sores develop. The
ability to tailor the device to suit individual needs allows the
nurse, patient or caregiver to select the shape which fits best the
case.
[0078] As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and
operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent
from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion
relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.
[0079] With respect to the above description then, it is to be
realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts
of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape,
form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are
deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and
all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings
and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed
by the present invention.
[0080] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly,
all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,
falling within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *